A new dawn beckons for the Wallabies and lock Rob Simmons believes a strong first-up performance against South Africa would be the first step in convincing critics that Australia can be a credible force on the world stage once more. Saturday night's Rugby Championship test looms as the grand unveiling for what should be a new-look side under coach Michael Cheika, steering Australia for the first time on home soil.
Simmons doesn't accept the Wallabies have fallen "off the radar" as an international force. He believes that despite their struggles they deserve to be seen as genuine World Cup contenders.
"It's very important for us as a team to start building our own identity and putting our best foot forward from the start, and show the rest of Australia and the world how we want to play this game," Simmons said.
The lock is in contention to start against the Springboks and take on lineout-calling duties for the Wallabies, but there is a challenge for a spot with Dave Dennis, Dean Mumm and Will Skelton in the squad.
- AAP
